When the Philadelphia 76ers signed Paul George to a four-year deal last summer, they were expected to take the East by storm.
Instead, injuries to George, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Jared McCain slowed them down, and they finished with a lowly 24-58 record. Heading into the 2025-26 season, everyone is expected to be healthy, although fans know that’s never a guarantee.
With a healthy core of stars, the Sixers should be one of the best teams in the entire NBA, although injuries aren’t the only thing that could slow them down.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 2: Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers talks to Joel Embiid #21 during a timeout in the game against the Memphis Grizzlies in the first half at the Wells Fargo Center on November 2, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Philadelphia 76ers’ Main Concern Revealed
While the Sixers have one of the most talented rosters in the NBA, their core is largely unproven, at least together.
Maxey, George, and Embiid played in only 15 games together last season. George has played a second-option role in his career. He is enjoying his best season next to Russell Westbrook on the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, he has never played with a hub like Embiid.
“How Paul George fits is the next most important domino,” offered Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix. “In the limited time we saw him out there, I don’t think he ever looked comfortable playing with that group.”
George is 35 years old and coming off a season cut short, and still has to learn Nick Nurse’s offense. On top of that, he has to be willing to adjust on the fly based on Embiid’s availability.
Still, Philadelphia looks poised to be in a better spot than last year.
Injuries Are Less of a Concern to Philadelphia 76ers
Despite missing 30 games last season, Maxey took a scoring leap when he did play. With a healthy McCain and VJ Edgecombe, as well as veterans Kyle Lowry, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Andre Drummond coming off the bench, the Sixers have the depth to withstand some injuries.
There is reason to believe that all of the stars will be ready to play to kick off the season.
“I see Joel Embiid, and I don’t see any knee brace on him,” Mannix added. “I see Tyrese Maxey, and he’s balling out. I see VJ Edgecombe. Oh my God, he’s going to be a dynamic rookie that competes for Rookie of the Year. I see Paul George doing chest presses, and I’m impressed. I’m like, ‘Oh, Paul George, he’s in great shape. He’s ready to go.’”
The 76ers will likely cement any injury statuses on September 26, at their media day. If Embiid announces that he’s anywhere close to 100% and ready to start the season, it will be hard to count the Sixers out, especially in a weakened Eastern Conference.
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